Businesses and the private sector are the largest employer globally, playing a major role in people's lives, indeed, in entire societies. At the same time, millions of people working in global supply chains find themselves in poverty and insecure working conditions. Oxfam works to support workers and farmers with the aim of ensuring that their human rights are respected and that they can live on their income. We press politicians and companies to act for a more equitable trading system and greater corporate responsibility in sustainability.

Our vision

We work to ensure that workers and small-scale farmers in global supply chains have decent, dignified jobs without discrimination and where they earn a living wage.

Businesses can play a critical role in the systemic changes needed to transform the lives of farmers and workers for the better. In particular, companies can make a difference by becoming better employers, buyers and partners with their suppliers, raising the bar on what constitutes ethical business, but they can also encourage governments to develop effective legislation.

Our challenge to companies

Oxfam challenges companies to move beyond mere compliance to actively impact positively on workers' working conditions in supply chains. By working with suppliers, civil society and governments, they can be a key player in changing the unequal systems that prevail.

With a deep understanding of human rights abuses in supply chains and their root causes, Oxfam encourages companies to focus on improving working conditions, combating gender discrimination and promoting livelihoods.

Human rights

Our work is based on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Ethical Trading Initiative's (ETI) Basic Code. This gives us a global framework specifically tailored for business. Whether we cooperate with or criticise a company, we shine a light on the impact that substandard purchasing practices have on working conditions, job security and incomes. We advocate for and advise on policies that improve the lives of those most at risk. There is much to be done, but change is happening all the time, with companies at the forefront raising the bar for all.